Monday, November 26, 2012

The King's Food

I love the book of Daniel! Let me share the very first story
with you. (The verses shown are all from the first chapter.)

Jerusalem has just been conquered by King Nebuchadnezzar,
and many have been taken captive to his headquarters in Babylon. The king
especially wants to borrow brains, so he instructs a man named Ashpenaz to look
for young noblemen to be wise, knowledgeable, able to teach, strong in their
standing, and without physical blemishes. (verses 3-4)

Four young men were chosen: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and
Azariah. (You’ll remember the last three as Shadrach, Mechach, and Abednego,
their pagan names, given to them in Babylon. Oddly enough, we know Daniel as
Daniel and not by his pagan name, Belteshazzar.)

They were to be given the king’s food—the meat and drink
from his table. (verse 5) This was to last for the three years of their
training. But, Daniel was not pleased with this idea. Daniel purposed in his heart
that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with
the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs
that he might not defile himself. (from
verse 8)

Notice that Daniel understood that
eating the king’s meat and drinking the king’s drink would defile him. The meat was prepared by gentiles, which was forbidden
under the Mosaic Law. It might have included meats from “unclean” animals, and
it was probably offered to heathen gods before the king partook of it—all
reasons that eating this meat was not agreeable to these Jewish young men. The
drink was also probably much stronger than what was permitted, thus another
“defilement.”

Daniel was the leader of the four, and he had won the
friendship of Ashpenaz, the master of the king’s eunuchs. Daniel suggested to Melzar (who worked under Ashpenaz) a
switch to “pulse” (vegetables, quite possibly legumes of some sort) and water.
Melzar thought this would displease the king and maybe even cost him his life! But,
he agreed to a ten-day trial period. If, after ten days, the young men looked
sicklier than the others, they would have to eat the king’s food. Daniel
agreed.

This was much more than a switch
to a healthier lifestyle. This meant the four friends were sticking to their faith.
And, God honored them.

After the ten days, they appeared
before the king, and they were more handsome and ten times wiser than their
counterparts, who had eaten the king’s food. (Think of it—one time wiser for
every day of obedience! Not a bad swap!!!) That they looked so healthy after
only ten days of a diet change was nothing less than a miracle of God. God did
it so that these men could stand pure and honor Him. And the wisdom . . . the
source of wisdom is God! (James 1:5)

The practical lessons for us?

When you’re away from your
Christian comfort zone (on vacation, moved to another place, studying out of
town, visiting friends, etc.), don’t leave God behind. Instead, look for other
Christians, so you can have fellowship. Cling to God’s Word daily. Follow His
commands rather than the prevalent philosophy around you.

Prove God’s faithfulness.

Follow Daniel’s example and endear
yourself to the people around you. Be courteous and classy.

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Hi and welcome to In the Way! I explore many subjects, striving always to present them from a biblical viewpoint. Feel free to browse the tabs at the top for general categories. If you don't see what you're looking for, use the search button below. I'm a pastor's wife, mother of two, grandma, teacher, author, and blogger. I live in a quaint little village in the beautiful Basque region of northern Spain.

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Lou Ann is a young-thinking grandma with an infectious laugh. She rejoices in nature and other beautiful things--including people! She's an avid writer and practices several other artistic expressions, like singing when no one's listening, calligraphy, photography, and even "serious art." Lou Ann loves her Lord Jesus Christ, family, and her church.